Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wayne, NE
Looking to relocate to Wayne, NE? This welcoming city of about 6,000 residents offers a budget-friendly lifestyle, with median home prices around $162,000 and average rents at $750. Commute times are short (just 11 minutes on average), crime rates are low, and Wayne is home to Wayne State College, giving it a vibrant college-town feel. With strong educational attainment, plenty of sunny days, and accessible healthcare, Wayne is perfect for those seeking a friendly community and affordable living.
Demographics - Wayne, NE
Wayne, Nebraska is a close-knit community of nearly 6,000 residents, with a notably young median age of 24.1 years, influenced by its status as a college town. The city is predominantly White, but also includes a small yet diverse population, and about 8% of residents speak a language other than English at home. High population density and a balanced gender ratio contribute to its vibrant, energetic atmosphere.
Population:
5,973
Density:
1,850 per sq mi
Median Age:
24.1
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.6%

Ethnic Composition
White:
88.5%
Black:
1.6%
Asian:
1.6%
Others:
8.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wayne, NE?
Living in Wayne is affordable, with a median home value of $162,000 and average monthly rent around $750. The cost of living index is 84.1, making it more budget-friendly than the national average, especially for housing and everyday expenses. Utilities and groceries also remain reasonably priced, supporting a cost-effective lifestyle for residents.
Median House Value:
$162,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$425
State Taxes:
Low:
2.46%
|
High:
6.84%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.1
Grocery:
94.3
Housing:
65.2
Utilities:
96.8
Transportation:
91.5
Health Care:
90.4
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Wayne, NE a safe place to live?
Wayne boasts a low crime rate, with only 140 violent crimes and 1,210 property crimes per 100,000 people, giving residents a strong sense of safety. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is just 1 in 714, reflecting the city's overall secure environment. Community members can enjoy peace of mind in their daily lives.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
140
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,210
Crime Index:
1,350
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 714
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Wayne, NE year-round?
Wayne experiences distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 13°F and warm summers peaking at 86°F. The city enjoys about 62% sunny days each year and receives nearly 30 inches of rainfall annually. This climate offers residents a classic Midwestern weather pattern, ideal for those who appreciate variety throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
13°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
29.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Residents of Wayne benefit from a small-town feel, with a median household income of $53,700 and a low unemployment rate of just 2.7%. Commute times are short, averaging only 11 minutes, and the community values education, with over 94% of adults holding at least a high school diploma. While the poverty rate is higher than average at 19.4%, the area remains welcoming and connected.
Median Income:
$29,200
Household Income:
$53,700
Family Income:
$74,300
Per Capita Income:
$22,900
Income Male:
$39,400
Income Female:
$29,800
Poverty Rate:
19.4%
Non English Speakers:
7.6%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
11.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.1%
Bachelors or More:
32.0%
Education
How are the schools in Wayne, NE?
Wayne is home to quality educational options, including public schools like Wayne Elementary and Wayne Junior-Senior High, both offering low student-teacher ratios for personalized learning. The presence of Wayne State College, with 4,500 students, adds to the vibrant educational atmosphere and community engagement. Families and students will find strong academic resources and opportunities locally.

Public Schools
Name:
Wayne Elementary School
Street:
312 N Douglas St
Phone:
402-375-3852
Students:
425
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Name:
Wayne Junior-Senior High School
Street:
611 W 7th St
Phone:
402-375-3150
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5

Colleges
Name:
Wayne State College
City:
Wayne
State:
NE
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
4,500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Wayne is accessible, with Providence Medical Center providing general and emergency services within the city. There are 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 94% of locals have health insurance coverage. The healthcare index of 77.2 suggests reliable and affordable medical care for the community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Providence Medical Center
Address:
1200 Providence Rd, Wayne, NE 68787
Phone:
(402) 375-3800
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.7%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wayne, NE?
Wayne offers an affordable housing market, with a median home price of $162,000 and a healthy owner-occupied rate of just over half. Rental options are plentiful, with average two-bedroom rents at $750 and a moderate vacancy rate of 6.5%. The market has seen recent appreciation, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$162,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Wayne residents are served by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently accessible via their main office in Lincoln or online resources. The DMV provides all standard services for vehicle registration, licensing, and driver needs. Customer support is available by phone or through their official website.
State:
Nebraska
Department:
Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
301 Centennial Mall S, Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone:
402-471-3985
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.